The beloved writer Maya Angelou once wrote, “Diversity makes for a rich tapestry.”
Colgate’s new Mosaic initiative seeks to weave a vibrant tapestry of fellowship and mentorship by connecting multicultural alumni with current students and one another.
The initiative was developed by a committee of staff members across the university who began meeting to identify opportunities to engage with alumni in tangible support of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus, following the student demonstration of 2014.
Mosaic organizes and sponsors specific events and programs that support students — especially in career development and networking — including Mosaic Weekend and immersion trips where students visit alumni workplaces. Alumni support of current multicultural students is an important focus of this work. There are many ways to help out.
Mosaic also seeks to promote professional networking opportunities for alumni, as well as other alumni programs from club events to reunions. A big event coming this year is OUS’s 50th anniversary celebration during Reunion Weekend, May 31 to June 3, 2018.
The Mosaic Advisory Council, which includes multicultural alumni and students, meets twice a year with campus representatives to learn about Colgate’s diversity and inclusion efforts and to provide feedback and ideas on new plans and programming.
This news site serves as the landing page for all these efforts. It shares news about the Mosaic initiative, celebrates the accomplishments of Colgate’s multicultural community members, and shares stories related to diversity and inclusion efforts at Colgate. It is also a space to promote opportunities to get involved, connect with one another, and share feedback with the university.
Twice per year, an e-newsletter will bring Mosaic news right to your in-box. Haven’t received it yet? Subscriptions are free and available to any member of the Colgate community.
Among Colgate’s meaningful investments in supporting diversity and inclusion efforts is the creation of a full-time position in alumni relations. In April, we welcomed Veronica “Ronnie” McFall ’89, assistant director of alumni relations for affinity and identity programs, to our staff. I encourage you to reach out to her with any questions, ideas, or feedback, and to let her know what you are up to!
This work is crucial to helping our students and provides meaningful, valuable experiences for our alumni, so we encourage you to peruse this site, and add your voice to the conversation.
Yours in Colgate,
Tim Mansfield
Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations
Chair, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion for Alumni and Student Programs